By

Michael Mantz
Life doesn’t always play fair. We don’t all start with the same opportunities or outcomes, but everyone gets their hand of cards. Lily, the writer behind Retrospective Lily, compares life to poker in a relatable way. Her take? It’s all about how you play the hand you’re dealt and making the best of what you’ve...
Patience isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain while trusting that the sun will shine again. Patience is one of those things everyone talks about, but it’s more complicated than it seems. In this fast-paced world, we want everything yesterday.  I mean, think about it. We’re...
Have you ever stopped to think about how the food you eat impacts your brain as much as it does your body? We all want our brains firing on all cylinders.  Whether tackling everyday tasks, staying sharp at work, or keeping our brains healthy in the long run, our diet plays a significant role. Certain...
Do you ever wonder why you feel so good after a great workout or a delicious meal?It’s all thanks to dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. Scientists have been studying how Dopamine Pathways works and made some amazing discoveries! It turns out that dopamine isn’t just about feeling good. It also plays a big role in...
What if the toughest battles people face are the ones you can’t see?When we think of disabilities, we usually picture things we can see, like someone in a wheelchair or with a guide dog.  But what about the ones you can’t see right away?  That’s where ‘Invisible disabilities’ come in. Defining Invisible Disabilities Invisible disabilities...
Just because I carry it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy. Living with ataxia is like walking around with a secret.  People see you on the outside and think you’re fine, but on the inside………there are many hidden challenges of living with Ataxia!  It’s tough when people make assumptions and don’t understand what you’re going...
Bill Nye, known for making science accessible, joins forces with the National Ataxia Foundation to spotlight Ataxia. This rare neurological condition disrupts coordination and balance, impacting tens of thousands worldwide.  This initiative, supported by “Good Morning America,” brings public attention to Ataxia’s symptoms, challenges, and the critical need for awareness and research.  Nye’s connection is...
Have you ever considered that giving your brain a break could be the key to unlocking its full potential? Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a buzzword in the wellness world, and for good reason. Most people think of it as a way to lose weight or get healthier, but do you know it can also...
Have you ever wondered what simple changes you could make today to strengthen your body’s natural defense immune system for a healthier tomorrow? Taking care of your immune system has never been more important.  You know – that amazing internal defense team working 24/7 to keep you healthy?  Whether it’s a cold or something more...
Sometimes the most honest answer is, ‘I’m doing the best I can,’ and that’s more than enough. It’s a simple question: “How are you doing?” But when someone asks you this after you haven’t seen them for a while, especially when you’re living with a condition like Ataxia, it can feel like a loaded one....
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My purpose

michael mantz
Life rarely goes as planned. This blog is about navigating what actually happens – major disruptions, health challenges, and the quieter work of figuring out who you are through all of it. I write from inside that process. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA 15), a rare neurological condition that shapes my perspective but doesn’t define this space. Some articles are personal. Some are practical. All of them are honest.

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